Division of Rhetoric
Chairman: Matthew A. Parfitt
The College is committed to the art of writing as an instrument of learning and evaluation in all aspects of its curriculum. It therefore offers first-year students instruction in rhetoric to develop their abilities as writers and thinkers in the context of the demands placed on them as college students.
To fulfill this responsibility, rhetoric faculty members work closely throughout the year with team colleagues in other disciplines, sharing material and assigning joint writing projects. The rhetoric courses show students how the process of writing is itself a mode of thinking deeply and clearly about any subject. Faculty instruct students in a variety of widely applicable strategies for generating ideas, drafting, and revising, with attention to both grammatical correctness and stylistic refinement. Students learn to synthesize ideas from their reading and to develop an effective thesis; they learn modes of organization and argumentation; and finally, they learn methods of library research and proper documentation.
In addition to these specific objectives, the rhetoric faculty attempt to inculcate in their students a sensitivity to the power of language and an ability to assess arguments and evaluate opinions.
Classes of approximately 15 students meet twice each week; in the first semester there is an additional class meeting focusing on oral argumentation. Students write constantly and copiously in class as well as out and develop their ideas for the formal papers through a writing process that includes class discussion, prewriting exercises, draft revision, and conferences with the instructor.
CGS RH 101 Rhetoric I: English Composition, Written and Oral Argument begins with critical reading, writing, and thinking strategies, as well as a variety of both formal and informal oral presentation strategies applied throughout the phases of prewriting, drafting, and revision. Students learn the conventions of the expository essay and ways to meet its demands by developing a thesis, organizing an argument, using definitions consistently, and supporting claims with evidence. In their assignments, students explore connections between their rhetoric readings and texts from other courses and learn to write for different audiences. Students also receive instruction in grammar, style, and document design. As the semester progresses, the course focuses on argumentation and oral presentations.
CGS RH 102 Rhetoric II: Research Methodology and Writing focuses on research while continuing to use interdisciplinary assignments. Students learn how to employ electronic research tools, evaluate sources, select and weigh evidence, and use standard scholarly conventions to document their research.